Maritime Heritage Minnesota conducted the Minnesota Aluma Craft Runabout War Canoe Analysis and 3D Scanning Project (MACRWC) in February 2022. The purpose of the MACRWC Project was to document, 3D scan, and conduct historical research of one Minnesota-produced aluminum watercraft. MHM chose to document a rare watercraft produced in Minneapolis in Hennepin County.

Watercraft are held in several Minnesota museums, historical societies, and collections - boats that were constructed in the state. Often the general public, scholars, and students are unaware of the significance of small and seemingly mundane historic vessels preserved in these collections. Drawing upon nautical archaeological and maritime historical knowledge based on fieldwork and research, MHM chose a rare Aluma Craft Runabout to investigate during the MACRWC Project. This vessel met particular criteria: she is Minnesota-designed and built, her runabout design in aluminum is interesting, she is rare, and her significance to the maritime history of the state has not been widely recognized or understood.

The 3D scanning process - using hand-held scanners attached to iPads - is a tool MHM has utilized since late 2016. The files produced by the scanners were used to render 3D models using mesh software. To date, MHM has documented 22 other Minnesota watercraft using 3D scanning. Additionally, MHM extensively used this 3D scanning system during a Phase I Terrestrial Archaeological Reconnaissance Project on Lake Minnetonka's Big Island; dozens of archaeological features were documented for their preservation and conservation.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews